Navigating college life is challenging, and periods of change can add to the uncertainty. Policy and regulation shifts can directly affect students and their communities, making it essential to stay informed. Whether you or someone you know is affected by these changes, understanding available resources and legal rights can provide clarity and support. This resource page aims to share guidance, resources, and support systems available to Penn State students and community members.

Understanding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Policies:

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) falls under federal jurisdiction and is responsible for enforcing immigration laws. While policy generally advises against enforcement actions in sensitive locations such as schools, places of worship, and hospitals, there have been instances where operations have taken place near or within university settings.

As a public university, Penn State is an open campus, meaning that law enforcement, including ICE, has legal access to public areas, however not all parts of the university are unrestricted. However,  there are several resources on campus and within the community that individuals are encouraged to utilize. 

University and Community Protections

If you are concerned about immigration enforcement actions, it is important to know the safeguards in place:

• Limited Law Enforcement Access: University buildings, including residence halls, require proper legal authorization (such as a judicial warrant) for ICE or any other law enforcement agency (that is not in partnership with the university) to enter . The university does not share private student information, including immigration status, unless required by law.

• University Police and Public Safety (UPPS): Typically, University Police are notified when ICE is conducting operations in State College, but there is no guarantee they will receive prior notice. Penn State University Police do not proactively enforce federal immigration law.

• Local Law Enforcement: Their focus is on community safety and they do not routinely cooperate with ICE unless required by law.The State College Police Department does not take an active role in enforcing immigration laws. 

• Support from Religious Organizations: Local faith-based organizations and places of worship have historically provided sanctuary and support for those in need. Some clergy members have pledged to maintain private spaces for individuals seeking temporary shelter.

Support for International Students

• Compliance with Visa Regulations: Students on F-1 or J-1 visas should ensure they are compliant with visa requirements, including maintaining full-time enrollment and keeping documentation up to date.

• Penn State Global Programs: The university’s Global Programs office offers immigration advising, visa-related support, and assistance for students facing legal uncertainties. If you are unsure about your visa status or need help navigating immigration requirements, you can contact Penn State Global Programs (international@psu.edu) or visit their office in the Boucke building, room 410. 

• Legal Aid for International Students: If you have concerns regarding your immigration status, you can seek guidance from Penn State’s immigration clinic, which provides assistance on visa compliance and other legal matters.

Protections for Undocumented Students

If you or someone you know is undocumented, it is crucial to understand your rights:

• You Do Not Need to Disclose Your Legal Status: You have the right to remain silent and are not required to disclose your immigration status to anyone, including law enforcement or university officials.

• Legal Representation is Critical: If approached by ICE, it is advised to remain silent until you have spoken to an attorney. Do not sign any documents without legal counsel.

• Penn State Law’s Center for Immigrants’ Rights Clinic: Penn State offers free legal assistance to students and community members in need of immigration-related legal support. You can contact the clinic for guidance on your rights and legal protections.

• Know Your Rights Campaigns: The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and other organizations provide ‘Know Your Rights’ resources that outline what to do if you encounter immigration enforcement officers. Carry a Know Your Rights card (which UPUA will be distributing), which states that you wish to remain silent and request legal representation.

If ICE comes to Your Housing and You Need a Place to Stay

Housing Transitions (Centre House): 

Housing Transitions provides emergency shelter and supportive housing but does not publicly state a policy regarding ICE. It is not known to cooperate with immigration enforcement, but it is best to confirm directly.
Contact: (814) 237-5508

Out of the Cold: Centre County:

This shelter is low-barrier, meaning they do not require identification or proof of immigration status. Many community-run shelters do not voluntarily cooperate with ICE unless legally required.
Contact: (814) 852-8864

Youth Service Bureau – Burrowes Street Youth Haven Shelter

This shelter serves minors in crisis and is unlikely to share information with immigration enforcement. Policies vary, so it is recommended to check directly with the shelter.
Contact: (814) 234-2100

Additional Resources

Penn State Law Center for Immigrants’ Rights Clinic: Offers pro bono legal support for students and community members.

• https://pennstatelaw.psu.edu/resources-2025 

• Penn State Global Programs: Provides resources and guidance for international students.

• https://global.psu.edu/international

• International Student and Scholar Advising (ISSA): ISSA serves as the authorized representative for Penn State's international community, offering expertise in advising, immigration services, and training. They can assist with visa requirements, financial matters, health insurance, and more. 

• Student Legal Services 

• https://studentaffairs.psu.edu/legalservices

• Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC): Offers nationwide legal guidance and resources.

• https://www.ilrc.org/

• Trusted Legal Help In My Area

• Know Your Rights Red Cards (Available in 9 Languages)

• Immigration Preparedness ToolKit

• Report Ice Activity In Your Area

• Know Your Rights

• National Immigration Law Center (NILC): Advocates for immigrants’ rights and provides important legal updates.

• https://www.nilc.org/resources/

• ACLU “Know Your Rights” Guide: This guide is available online in multiple languages to educate individuals on their rights during ICE encounters.

• https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/immigrants-rights 

• State College community updates in regards to executive actions

• https://www.govt.psu.edu/community-updates

• Higher Ed Immigration Portal: –https://www.higheredimmigrationportal.org/resources/rights-protections-hub-guidance-for-institutions-and-immigrant-students/ 

• Protecting Student Data

• Know Your Rights

• Data Information & Protection Resources

• Presidents’ Alliance: How Campuses Can Prepare to Support Undocumented Students & Safeguard their Data in Higher Education: https://www.presidentsalliance.org/how-campuses-can-prepare-to-support-undocumented-students-safeguard-their-data-in-higher-education/ 

• Rights & Responsibilities, FERPA, Warrants and Subpoenas

• Revising & complicating the sanctuary campus

• Three Main Elements of Protection

• What you can do right now at your institution

Local Legal Assistance

• The Mazza Law Group, P.C.: Located in State College, this firm provides advice and representation on various immigration matters, including green cards, visas, asylum, and removal proceedings.
  -  mazzalaw.com

• Contact Information: (814) 237-6255

• Sharon Barney, Esq.: An attorney in State College specializing in immigration law, offering services such as family visas, asylum, and deportation defense.
  - justia.com

• Contact Information: (814) 954-5904

DACA Specific Resources

• Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities Student Resources for DREAMers: https://www.hacu.net/hacu/Resources_for_DACA_Students__Family.asp 

• Informed Immigrant - How to Renew Your DACA in 2025: https://www.informedimmigrant.com/resources/daca/daca-renewals-2025/ 

• National Immigration Law Center Frequently Asked Questions: Latest DACA Developments: https://www.nilc.org/work/daca/ 

• Remember the Dreamers REsources to support Dreamers and DACA recipients and their families, and colleges and universities: https://www.rememberthedreamers.org/resources/

ICE Specific Resources

• The Center for Law and Social Policy Immigration Raid Resources: https://www.clasp.org/immigration-raid-resources/ 

• Know Your Rights

• These fact sheets from the American Federation of Teachers, National Immigration Law Center, and CLASP provide information on how K-12 schools can protect student privacy, restrict ICE enforcement, and support students and families impacted by immigration enforcement:

• Know Your Rights for Immigrant Students & Schools, English and Spanish

• Protecting our Students & Families Toolkit, English and Spanish

• 15 Things Educators Can Do to Support Immigrant Youth & Families, English and Spanish

• ACLU: Know Your Rights provides an overview of immigrants’ rights and how to reduce risk in different scenarios, including traffic stops, home raids, and arrests near the border.

• American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA): Resources on Raids includes resources related to Know Your Rights, local rapid response hotlines, a summary of media reports on raids, etc.

• American Federation of Teachers (AFT): Know Your Rights Information for Students and Families fact sheet with action steps and information to help schools and families prepare for immigration enforcement.

• Asian Americans Advancing Justice Atlanta: Know Your Rights Resources links to Know Your Rights cards and posters.*

• Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC): Rapid Response Toolkit for advocates to prepare for and respond to immigration raids in their communities.

• Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC): Know Your Rights Toolkit resources for advocates and community members, including Know Your Rights, red cards, family preparedness plans, and a train-the-trainer toolkit to support advocates in holding a Know Your Rights presentation in your community.*

• Mayan League: Indigenous Language Resources Know Your Rights audio resources in Mayan Mam.

• Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC) and National Immigration Law Center (NILC): Toolkit for Organizations Responding to Mass Worksite Immigration Raids an emergency toolkit for advocates when responding to a worksite raid in their community.

• A Manager’s Guide to ICE Visits: Preparation and Response: https://www.boundless.com/blog/a-managers-guide-to-ice-visits-preparation-and-response/ 

Important Distinctions

• Warrants

• Judicial Warrant vs ICE Administrative Document: https://projectsouth.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Warrant-Fact-Sheet.pdf 

• The Difference Between Judicial and Administrative Warrants: https://www.motionlaw.com/the-difference-between-judicial-and-administrative-warrants/ 

• When Is A Warrant Not A Warrant: How To Protect Yourself From ICE In Your Home?: https://www.benachcollopy.com/blog/when-is-a-warrant-not-a-warrant-how-to-protect-yourself-from-ice-in-your-home/

• Expedited Removal

• National Immigration Law Center - Know Your Rights: Expedited Removal Expansion: https://www.nilc.org/resources/know-your-rights-expedited-removal-expansion/

• What can community members do to prepare?

• Remember your rights to remain silent, not open your door, and not answer questions from ICE or CBP. More here.

• Do not carry foreign identification documents, such as a foreign passport, with you, as these documents may be used against you.

• Carry with you evidence of having been in the U.S. for longer than two years, such as mail that you received at your home address with a postmark, a signed lease, church or school records with your address, etc. You may want to carry copies with you so as not to risk losing your originals. Share this evidence if / after you have been taken into custody.

• Carry with you evidence of lawful entry or current lawful status in the United States if you have it. If you have a pending asylum application or other immigration court case or appeal, carry evidence of that with you. Share this evidence if or after you have been taken into custody. The first step is to remain silent with the exception of asking to speak to a lawyer.

• If you are being taken into immigration custody and you have a fear of returning to your country of origin, state that fear loudly and clearly at every opportunity you have.

• Ask to speak to a lawyer, and do not sign any documents without consulting with a lawyer.

• American Immigration Council - Expedited Removal Explainer: https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/research/expedited-removal

• National Immigration Forum - Expanded Expedited Removal: What It Means and What to Do: https://immigrationforum.org/article/expanded-expedited-removal-what-it-means-and-what-to-do/ 

• LexisNexis - Expedited Removal Effective Now, Nationwide: https://www.lexisnexis.com/community/insights/legal/immigration/b/insidenews/posts/expedited-removal-effective-now-nationwide?srsltid=AfmBOorIbGXaOJGB6J9wV_cML283cRdpF_Uv4NjnXyp4MPJpH4r2IiyC 

• Understanding Executive Orders

• Executive Orders: An Introduction: https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R46738 

Executive Orders and Presidential Transitions: https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF12724 

Special Acknowledgment

Special thanks to our campus partners for their assistance in compiling this list of resources! Please reach out the UPUA if you have any further questions or concerns, we are here to help you!